What you'll study on this BA (Hons) Animation degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
Animation Production Process – 20 credits
Learn about each aspect of the animation production process in practical workshops.
Introduction to 2D Animation – 20 credits
An introduction to the craft of 2D animation.
Introduction to 3D Animation – 20 credits
An introduction to the latest industry tools and techniques used in animation production.
Introduction To Visual Research For Animation – 20 credits
You'll learn drawing, colour and texture as visual research and exploration.
Narrative – 20 credits
Develop an understanding of film language, camera angles, composition, lighting, mise-en-scène, editing and sound design.
Signs and Meaning in Animation – 20 credits
Focus on questions of meaning, spectatorship and representation and highlights how animation fits within the wider context of contemporary visual culture.
Year 2
Core modules
Animation Group Project: Introduction – 20 credits
Work in a group to research and develop animations.
Animation Group Project: Production – 20 credits
On this module, which follows on from the 'Animation Group Project: Introduction' module, you'll continue working in your group to produce and present animations.
Experimental Animation – 20 credits
Explore the visual research methods that will improve your skills in the pre-production stage of animation.
History and Theory of Animation – 20 credits
Develop analytical skills and critical thinking in animation, building on what you learned in year 1.
Optional modules
Creative Technologies Study Exchange – 60 credits
This module gives you the opportunity to do a study placement in a Higher Education institution outside of the UK. It allows you to enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies.
CCI Self-Employed Placement – Full Year – 40 credits
This optional year-long module gives you experience in setting up and running a small business during the placement year of a sandwich degree.
CCI Work Placement – Full Year – 40 credits
This optional year-long placement module gives you relevant industrial or commercial experience during the placement year of a sandwich degree.
Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice – 20 credits
Develop your creative, intellectual and interpersonal attributes.
Intermediate 2D Animation – 20 credits
Develop your animation principle skills and learning animation techniques for big studios, executing tests which involve stretching, weight and anticipation..
Intermediate 3D Animation – 20 credits
Develop skills and knowledge in character animation and use technical, performance, illustrative and narrative techniques to create a 3D animated sequence..
Introduction to Visual Effects – 20 credits
An introduction to digital visual effects, as well as simulation-based and procedurally-generated artwork, in relation to the role of an effects animator or effects technical director for the VFX (visual effects) industry.
Modern Foreign Language (IWLP) – 20 credits
Study 1 of 8 modern languages on the University's free Institution-Wide Language Programme.
Previsualisation and Motion Capture – 20 credits
Explore the role of previsualisation (previs) artists within film, TV and game productions.
Professional Experience – 20 credits
This module gives you the opportunity to gain credit towards your degree from paid/unpaid work, volunteering, research placements, internships and other work-related learning.
Student Enterprise – 20 credits
This module is a problem-based learning module, which will introduce you to the basics and reality of setting up and running a small business.
Year 3
Core modules
Employment Preparation – 20 credits
Prepare yourself for applying for jobs in the industry.
Major project: Introduction - 20 credits
Apply your professional animation skills to an animation-related brief.
Major Project: Resolution – 20 credits
Develop a professional animation using the animation, art direction and pre-production skills you developed in the Advanced Pre-Production Methods module.
Written Project – 20 credits
Bring together the ideas and concepts you've studied during your degree.
Optional modules
Advanced 2D Animation – 20 credits
Develop technical animation skills in classical animation and create a showreel with technical 2D animation to a professional standard.
Advanced 3D Animation – 20 credits
Develop your 3D animation skills.
Advanced Pre-Production Methods – 20 credits
Prepare for your major project by developing a preproduction dossier that focuses on your strongest skills. You'll develop awareness of professional pre-production methods and build an understanding of the importance and relevance of production planning in the industry.
Advanced Visual Effects and Environments – 20 credits
You'll be examining dynamic simulations of 3D digital environments and their interaction with particle systems, structure dynamics, cloth, fluids and crowd simulations that are influenced by the laws of physics.
Motion Capture Applications – 20 credits
An introduction to the principles of performance capture techniques focusing on current industry standards and applications.
